package com.quantum.adapter
{

	/**
	 * An adapter factory defines behavioral extensions for
	 * one or more classes that implements the <code>Adaptable</code>
	 * interface. Adapter factories are registered with an
	 * adapter manager.
	 * <p>
	 * This interface can be used without OSGi running.
	 * </p><p>
	 * Clients may implement this interface.
	 * </p>
	 * @see AdapterRegistry
	 * @see Adaptable
	 */
	public interface AdapterFactory
	{
		/**
		 * Returns an object which is an instance of the given class
		 * associated with the given object. Returns <code>null</code> if
		 * no such object can be found.
		 *
		 * @param adaptableObject the adaptable object being queried
		 *   (usually an instance of <code>IAdaptable</code>)
		 * @param adapterType the type of adapter to look up
		 * @return a object castable to the given adapter type,
		 *    or <code>null</code> if this adapter factory
		 *    does not have an adapter of the given type for the
		 *    given object
		 */
		function getAdapter(adaptableObject:Object, adapterType:Class):Object;

		/**
		 * Returns the collection of adapter types handled by this
		 * factory.
		 * <p>
		 * This method is generally used by an adapter manager
		 * to discover which adapter types are supported, in advance
		 * of dispatching any actual <code>getAdapter</code> requests.
		 * </p>
		 *
		 * @return the collection of adapter types( class Array)
		 */
		function getAdapters():Array; //Class[]
	}
}